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The former Leek High student said securing the culture title could lift Stoke-on-Trent into a whole new league.

He added: “An additional impact of £73.1 million to the economy from being the UK City of Culture in 2021 appears very achievable, given that the football club generated around £132 million in the 2015/16 season.”

Stoke-on-Trent is one of five places in the running to be named the next UK City of Culture, alongside Sunderland, Swansea, Paisley and Coventry.

Giant yellow ducks have appeared across the city to support Stoke-on-Trent's 2021 bid

Councillor Abi Brown, bid chairman for Stoke-on-Trent 2021, said: “We have talked a lot about the huge economic impact winning UK City of Culture 2021 would have on Stoke-on-Trent, and these comments from EY’s chief economist really back up what we have been saying. Winning would be a game-changer for Stoke-on-Trent, bigger than anything we can imagine.

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“Being UK City of Culture would bring tourists, investment and attention to our city, which all go hand-in-hand with regeneration. We’ve given ourselves the best chance possible, with a compelling bid document and a really successful and positive visit by the judges to the city last month.”

Gary Stoker, director of Hanley’s Air Space Gallery, believes a win for the city could also mean much more than economic benefit.

He said: “There is a growing acceptance of cultural activity that brings economic benefit – but it is not just in economic terms, it will bring much more than that.

“It will make Stoke-on-Trent an interesting city to be in. There are going to be new things happening every week on a big national scale. It puts the spotlight on the city.”